So this is a bit embarrassing, but I don't know what these two coins are. I mean, I have a pretty good idea but I don't know where to start regarding attribution. Both of these coins I got good deals from Ebay, and they are currently en-route to me. I have attributed them to an extent. I guess I'm just braindead today because I should know what these are. I guess I'm just second-guessing myself. NERO, 54-68 A.D. Denarius Rome mint: 66-67 A.D. Laureate head to right of Nero, around IMP NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS. Jupiter seated left on throne, holding thunderbolt and sceptre, IVPPITER CVSTOS around. Reference: cf.S.1943, RIC 64, BMC -, RSC 121 | just check me on this one | Roman republic Denarius Cornelius Scipio Asiagenus 106 BC, head of Jupiter left Jupiter in quadriga right, s in field above, Crawford 311/1c; RSC Cornelia 24 | not sure if this is correct too | This seller on both was ignorant and provided no attribution.
On the top one, I have no idea if it is Nero or who it might be. On the reverse though, to the left who whoever is sitting, I see AVG which wouldn't mesh with your attribution. I could be wrong. The coin is is pretty bad shape. I won't mess with the 2nd one since I know even less about Roman republic stuff.
I believe you. I only have one provincial of Nero and he looks nothing like that portrait. What say you about the reverse?
I believe that your 2nd coin may be: L. Memmius Galeria. 106 BC. AR Serrate Denarius Rome mint. O: Laureate head of Saturn left; harpa to right R: Venus driving biga right, holding scepter and reins; above, Cupid flying left, holding wreath
First coin is obviously Nero. It may be this: http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/sear5/s1942.html#RIC_0049
Nero later in his reign (earlier on he looks like a member of the Beatles) is often shown with a very thick neck, round and chunky jowls, and his back-of-head and neck hair (below the laureate ties) is long and curving inward into his neck. Check out the first handful in this search. Or this AE: Nero, Ruled 54-68 AD AE As, Struck 65 AD, Rome mint Obverse: NERO CAESAR AVG GERM IMP, Laureate head of Nero right. Reverse: Victory alighting left, wings spread holding shield inscribed SPQR, S-C across field. References: RIC I 312, Sear 1976
Ya I know that. I have been studying ancient coins for 3 years now. My question was to fact check the coins since they are already attributed and since they are in pretty rough shape.
With FF2's tip, I'd agree with this choice.[/QUOTE] I agree as well. The alignment in that reference seems much more accurate.